I’m always weary of new laws. Most have had either no impact on my life or a negative one. But last month, an act of Congress went into effect that has really made a practical, positive difference in my every day existence.

It’s known as the CALM act.

What is the CALM act?

Originally sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, a California Democrat and Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, CALM is an acronym for the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation law, an act which passed the Congress and was signed by the President in 2010. It became law with huge bipartisan support; in fact it was unanimously supported in the US Senate - demonstrating how Democrats and Republicans can come together for the collective benefit of the governed.

The purpose of the law is to control the volume of TV commercials. In fact it requires all broadcasters to keep commercials at the same volume as the show they accompany.

Like many others, I often fall asleep with the TV on. There is nothing worse than drifting into a deep, restful sleep, only to be awoken by a rude, blaring commercial. It’s almost impossible to get back to sleep when that happens. Consequently, I had become sleep deprived for years and years.

All that ended when the CALM act went into effect on December 13, 2012.

Of the law, the White House said:

“Loud TV commercials have been among the most common consumer complaints to the FCC for decades now. While this is a small issue compared to the big challenges facing our nation, it is an unnecessary annoyance in the daily lives of many Americans, and I’m glad to have done something about it.”

It is the responsibility of TV viewers to report suspected violations of the CALM Act to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by logging on to the agency's website or by calling 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

I keep this number on my night stand should I be awoken by a blaring TV ad. Please report any violations you may come across to the FCC. After all, my good night’s sleep may depend on your call.